AA/Populus Panel

AA members say fix the roads not the drivers

30 May 2008

Almost three quarters of AA members believe that roads would be safer if money was spent improving accident black spots rather than more traffic police or more speed cameras, according to the latest survey of driver opinion from the UK's biggest dedicated motoring panel.

These new findings from the AA/Populus panel of almost 17,5001 AA members show that 72% thought that road and junction improvements would make the UK's roads safer. However, only a quarter (25%) thought more traffic police would make a difference, with just 4% saying more speed cameras would do the trick.

Young drivers (18-24 years) and females in particular felt that fixing unsafe roads was the best option to make roads safe (82% and 77% respectively).

Of the quarter which supported the safety benefits of having more traffic police, men were more in favour of this than women - 28% against 19%. However, this time, younger drivers were not so keen with only 16% in favour of more traffic police compared to 29% in the over 65 years age group.

Regional variations

Geographically, respondents in the North-East and Scotland were likely to favour improving road danger spots, 76% and 75% respectively. Those living in London were least likely to want road improvements (70%) and most likely to want more traffic police (27%). Those in Northern Ireland were most likely to want more speed cameras (7%) whilst those in the North-East were least supportive (2%).

AA Comment

Commenting on these findings AA President Edmund King said "Making UK roads safer requires a broad approach with safe cars, safe drivers and safe roads. Keeping these measures in balance is the key. Drivers are now telling us that it is time to target the dangerous roads and junctions that we all know exist.

"The motorist is paying record amounts in motoring taxation so more of this should be spent on life saving road improvements. The poll also shows that six times as many people want more traffic police rather than more speed cameras."

Notes to Editors

1 AA/Populus panel of 17,481 AA members conducted between 14 March - 9 April 2008